Poll Watcher

A poll watcher is a person appointed to observe the conduct of an election on behalf of a candidate, a political party or the proponents or opponents of a measure (specific-purpose political action committees).

A poll watcher’s role in an election is established by Chapter 33 of the Texas Election Code.   The Texas Secretary of State office provides a Poll Watcher's Guide for Elections.  A poll watcher must show up with a certificate of appointment in order to server.  The following are the types of appointment certificates:

• Appointment of Poll Watcher by candidate on the ballot
• Appointment of Poll Watcher by declared write-in candidate on the ballot
• Appointment of Poll Watcher by political party
• Appointment of Poll Watcher for propositions or issues